Match Preview: Hartlepool United Ladies v York City Ladies

With their safety from relegation now firmly guaranteed, York City Ladies have the first of four remaining league games when taking on third-placed Hartlepool United at Victoria Park on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 2.00pm).

The Minsterbelles were always likely to boost their overall points tally with their latest double-header against bottom-of-the-table Wakefield.

But to do so in such emphatic fashion and while scoring sixteen goals without reply, should only increase confidence for a team previously totalling 23 from their earlier fifteen games.

Midfielder Nikki Brown led the way with five goals across the two meetings – those were her first of the season, while Anna Whitehead, Josie Hewson, Lindsay Jordan and Lucy Lendhill also supplied doubles. Alice Turner, Helen Winterburn and Sara Renfrew similarly chipped in with efforts.

Photo: Ian Parker

Anna Whitehead shows the determination that brought her another two goals

Those helped to move City within three points of fifth-placed Farsley Celtic in the table, although having played a game more. The Belles are still to visit both Farsley and title-favourites Norton & Stockton Ancients, with Wallsend BC yet to come to Haxby Road.

Hartlepool have enjoyed an excellent campaign following on from their promotion at the end of last season, with a recent loss to the traditionally powerful Norton & Stockton finally bringing to an end their six-game winning sequence.

Photo: Ian Parker

Lindsay Jordan is another offering goals since stepping up from the reserves

Forward Caitlin Bates has been a regular supplier of goals for them this term and is currently on 22, with Jessica Dawson and Nicola Duckling also closing in on double-figures.

Pools were already victorious by a 5-2 scoreline at York back in November, despite goals for the hosts from Ellie Regan and Gemma Croft.

However, that was a newly-emerging City side, and the current one has actually won five of its last six games while only surprisingly missing out in the County Cup final to Redcar Town.

There’s only a single league game elsewhere as Wallsend BC entertain Wakefield, with Durham Cestria, Norton & Stockton and Farsley each involved in League Cup action – the latter two against each other.